Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Louisville is 21% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,069/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 3%
$64,731/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 28%
$221,500 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 46%
$1,118/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 10%
627,210
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,103/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Louisville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Rochester?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Rochester?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $18,103/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New York?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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